Music

1974 Fender Telecaster Custom in Keef black with maple neck anyone?This guitar has certainly has a certain something about it. The black finish with the triple ply black pickguard is a look that we're big fans of. There are the expected nicks and bumps but overall the body is in very good shape as can be seen from the pics.The neck is in good shape too, a few marks but nothing serious. The fretboard shows no real signs of wear and the original frets have plenty of life left in them. The logo is still strong.Hardware shows signs of mild corrosion but nothing too extensive, and the plastics are in good order too.Electrically we have a wide variety of pots under the pickguard, they hail from around the same late ‘73/early ‘74 period so its safe to assume they’re correct. The Soldier joints all are untouched and the pickups are the correct single coil and Wide Range Humbucker combo.For many the draw sonically is the Wide Range Humbucker, arguably one of the few worthwhile innovations of CBS in the 1970s. In this combination it does not disappoint, providing an ideal foil to the bridge pickup. The clarity and punch the pickup provides both compliments and contrast in an inspiring way. As you are probably aware a similar, mid 70's Tele Custom was Keith Richards' main touring guitar from the late 70's through to the late 80's and he used it everywhere. He only retired it due to its weight but at just 3.36Kg you will not have to worry about this example. In fact lightweight Teles from this era are hard to come by but this is a really nice light and 100% correct example.The guitar comes with an original Fender 70's hardshell case.Not a regular here at ATB but these 70’s Fenders can be surprising. The Wide Range humbucker alone should be enough to pique the interest, and as one of the last really solid evolutions of Leo's designs for some time they're sure to be something of a rising star in the vintage market...

The Fender Telecaster, known affectionately as the "Tele," emerged as the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar, marking a significant milestone in music history. Its straightforward design and innovative sound paved the way for new trends in electric guitar manufacturing and popular music. Since its debut in the 1950s, the Telecaster has been celebrated for its versatility, serving artists across genres from country to jazz, rock, and beyond. Its solid construction, characterized by a single-cutaway body made typically from alder or ash and a bolt-on maple neck, contributes to its distinct, bright, and cutting tone as well as a warm, mellow sound depending on pickup selection. With minor modifications over the years, the Telecaster has remained largely faithful to its original design, featuring two single-coil pickups, a three-way selector switch, and simple volume and tone controls. This enduring design has kept the Telecaster relevant and in continuous production, solidifying its status as a beloved icon in the guitar world.